STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

BCC's goal in conducting this study was to determine the current status of the
worldwide demand for surface acoustic wave filters and duplexers and to assess
its growth potential over a five-year period from 2011 to 2016. We were
particularly interested in the stimulation in demand for acoustic wave
technology induced by the recent surge in the usage of handsets and tablets
and wireless devices. In addition, we were interested in the market potential
for new emerging surface acoustic wave sensor technologies.

Our key objective was to present a comprehensive analysis of the current
surface acoustic wave technologies market and its future direction.

REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY

In addition to their traditional functions in national defense and industrial
applications, surface acoustic wave technologies are becoming a significant
component of the world's consumer electronics market. We were interested in
determining where surface acoustic wave devices were being used and examined
their growth potential. We also were especially interested in determining the
technology types currently in use and their specific applications.

BCC has over the past several years examined the sensor industry. Within this
time period, surface acoustic wave devices have emerged rapidly as a passive
sensor having diverse applications; as a consequence, the use of this
technology is changing fast and we wanted to conduct a thorough and detailed
analysis and project its growth potential.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

The scope of this study encompasses the major types of surface acoustic wave
technologies. BCC analyzes each surface acoustic wave technology type,
determines its current market status, examines its impact on future markets,
and presents forecasts of growth over the next five years. Technological
issues including the latest trends are discussed. Other influential factors
such as the increased use of surface acoustic wave sensors detection
applications by law enforcement and emergency responder entities are explored.

BCC analyzes the industry on a worldwide basis, both from a manufacturing and
demand point of view. We examine government regulation and surface acoustic
wave industry organizations and activities in major regions of the world. The
role that surface acoustic wave sensor technologies play in wireless
communication, industrial, military, and safety monitoring, as well as
instrumentation is also examined.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC analyzed data produced by the U.S. government agencies industry trade
association and international organizations to obtain data for this study. We
also spoke with manufacturers of various surface acoustic wave technology
types in the United States and manufacturers' associations in Japan. In
addition, we compiled data from current financial and trade information
sources.

AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS

Carlet Auguste is president and CEO of Efficiency Engineering Inc., a
consulting firm that provides technology engineering services to corporations
and nonprofit organizations. He consults regularly with government and
private industry companies from a variety of fields of engineering to help
create technology innovations for the private sector as well as government
customers needing technology solutions for national defense. He previously
worked for a U.S. government agency in the area of intelligence and security.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP SENSITIVE, SELECTIVE AND
FAST-RESPONDING SAW HYDROGEN SENSORS THAT OPERATE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND TO
UTILIZE THESE ADVANCES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAW AND OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVE
SENSORS FOR OTHER GASES. THE APPROACH IS TO USE SYNTHESIS OF NANOMATERIALS AND
THEIR UTILIZATION AS SAW SENSOR MATERIALS, GUIDED BY THEORETICAL CALCULATIONS
AT MULTIPLE SCALES.